Simple changes to milking management and teat disinfection can make a real difference to the prevention of mastitis infections when the weather suddenly changes for the worse.

It is often not easy to avoid muddy paddocks and lanes after the sudden onset of a wet period, but if your preparation and laneway maintenance has been done, the risk will have been minimised.

When cows enter the dairy, remove excess mud and dirt prior to milking by washing and then drying teats with paper towels before cups-on.

However one of the key opportunities for infection to occur is during the first few minutes after cups off, before the teat canal has fully closed and sealed.

Because this is such a critical period, try to ensure that cows are not left milling around or lying down in areas of mud or excessive faecal contamination immediately after they leave the dairy. These areas will become even more critical after the onset of wet weather, with the potential for huge numbers of bacteria to contaminate the teat skin and teat canal opening.

Prepare for this by cleaning the area immediately outside the dairy exit, and try to ensure that cows can leave the area immediately without needing to spend time in a parking bay or holding yard.

The action of the teat disinfectant will also be critical to reduce the  numbers of bacteria on the teat, and the action of the emollient in the mixture will be important to maintain teat skin condition.

So take a little extra care and make teat disinfection an absolute priority – try to get as close to 100% coverage as possible.

Perhaps even consider extra emollient in the mix for a short period – consult your vet for advice in this regard.

These simple techniques can substantially reduce the risk – and at very little cost.

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“Minimise mud and faeces at the dairy exit”

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“Extra effort at teat disinfection will pay”

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